Commenting on news that services company Carillion has told 4,500 staff that their jobs are at risk following plans to halve subsidies on solar power, Friends of the Earth’s Energy Campaigner Donna Hume warned:

“This is just the tip of the iceberg – if Ministers push ahead with plans to slash solar subsidies tens of thousands of jobs could be lost.

“A fraction of the cash the Chancellor set aside this week for more roads and dirty energy would throw a lifeline to the solar industry and the thousands of skilled workers currently facing unempolyment.

“The solar industry has a crucial role in reducing the nation’s dependency on expensive fossil fuels and developing the clean future David Cameron has repeatedly promised – Ministers must abandon plans to pull the plug on it.”